Looking for a Partner? How About Falling in Love with Yourself First?

The road can feel pretty lonely when you don’t have that one special person walking along beside you.

I can’t even count the number of times in an average week that a client doesn’t tell me how much they want to be in love. And I often read posts from members right here who feel sad about being alone and how hard it is to meet someone to have a life with.

Let’s face it. Whether you’re in your 20’s and maybe just starting to look for a life partner, or you’re further along in life. It’s not easy to find the right person.

Finding a Relationship Begins with Working on Yourself

Living with a chronic condition can add an extra wrinkle to the process of connecting with people who might have dating potential: Disclosing your diagnosis to someone who may or may not be very understanding. Needing to stay compliant with medication regimens. Maybe having days when you aren’t feeling at your best or can’t participate as actively as you would like to.

The simple truth is that your condition affects the people in your life. It requires that they be patient, compassionate, and willing to make some accommodations. Not everybody you meet is going to be willing to step up to the plate. As a result, you may be feeling a little hesitant to take the risk of meeting new people. And if you’ve had a few disappointments along the way, you might also be wondering if having a partner is even in your future.

In my experience, when you are living with a chronic condition, getting connected with the right person is an inside job. By that, I mean it starts with working on your own attitude toward dating and having a relationship. And the important work you do on yourself is a whole lot more important than the dating tips you might be reading about, or your well-meaning friends may be passing on to you.

To have a healthy relationship, I think it’s important to be comfortable with yourself, and confident in your ability to meet your own needs. Even to be able to face the future on your own and to not only be okay with that, but to feel like you have a quality life even if that means being single. After all, we all have to be able to make ourselves happy first. Nobody else can do that for us.

So here are some ideas to consider:

Build a strong friendship network. We need people in our life who care about us, and whom we care about, to be with during the good times and the hard times. Friendships help you to maintain a solid foundation. And when your foundation is solid, you are in a better position to be open to a relationship because it will enhance your life. And not out of neediness, or desperation to have someone to make you feel complete. After all, you’re already complete.

Build yourself up. If you are caught up in reminding yourself how unlovable you are, then your dating life will be all about proving to yourself that you’re right. Stop labeling yourself. Especially with labels you don’t want – or need – to live up to. Sure, living with a chronic condition presents some challenges. But you are the same person lovable and caring person you have always been. You are not your diagnosis.

Take your eye off the ball. By focusing too hard on something, we can end up getting in our own way. And sending other people running for the hills. Instead of making finding a life partner your mission in life, make it your mission to have a quality life. Quality in all areas of your life. Right now and not sometime in the future (like when you have a partner).

Just be your best you. Because you is what you got. Your interests, your talents, your unique personality, your compassion for others. Let your light shine! By the way, when you’re happy with your life, and living it on your own terms, you are more attractive to others. Who isn’t attracted to confidence?

Make it fun. Finding a partner is a numbers game. You just have to keep putting yourself out there in the world. So make it about getting to know someone new, to share a smile and few friendly words, and make the day a little more enjoyable. If you’re able to accomplish that much, then that’s a lot. Take the pressure off yourself. And let go of the expectations for other people.

Be happy with yourself. You’ll be that much more able to make someone else happy.

Dr. Gary McClain

Gary McClain, PhD is a recognized expert in understanding the emotional reactions to medical diagnosis.

Chronic Communication ℠

Counseling and Workshops

Questions? Ask Dr. Gary

Q: I was recently diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and I am really trying to face up to this condition and maintain my independence. But there are days when I know I need help. My family is telling me that I am being stubborn when all I am trying to do is be a Fighter. When is it time to ask for help?

A: Fighters may have a reputation as the ideal role models but they aren’t always good at seeking out support unless someone shows them how much worse things will be if they don’t.
Fighters often view themselves as so in control of their situation that they can handle every...

Sign up to stay in touch!

Sign up to get interesting news and updates delivered to your inbox.

Email Address

First Name

By submitting this form, you are granting: Gary R. McClain PhD, 80 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York, 10011, United States, http://www.justgotdiagnosed.com permission to email you. You may unsubscribe via the link found at the bottom of every email. (See our Email Privacy Policy for details.) Emails are serviced by Constant Contact.